Les Dawson - The Good Old Days (1983)

"Once again, good evening Ladies & Gentlemen!" From 1983 here is a rare chance to see again Les Dawson in a clip from the long running BBC series "The Good Old Days". Maybe one day editions of this wonderful television series will be released on DVD... © BBC

[mrfister]

If you don't cry laughing at Les Dawson, you have no soul.

[philippaine]

A brilliant comedian, a talented singer and a good pianist. His timing was superb and he was also a good wordsmith. His rubber face merely gave him another way to make people laugh. Regrettably he died too young.

[Mike-bgzt]

Although 1983 found me at the tender age of 15, this show and the mastery of Les, is the benchmark of timeless entertainment . Poking fun at one’s self isn’t in vogue with contemporary comedians, who focus outward to prey on the misgivings of others be they gay, refugees or disabled nothing is taboo . But hey, it’s said in fun right?
Whilst I understood the humour of the pianist in tails, who is unable and unknowing to hit the correct note, for me now, almost 40 years later, is his ‘painting a picture’ through language, as vivid as any photo. Only then, to the delivery of the punchline that brought us swiftly into reality and his Northern working class values……. a stroke of genius . Much loved, missed and never forgotten by a generation fortunate enough to cry with laughter.

[SuperFerdie]

There can't have been a more entertaining ten minutes in the long history of this marvellous show. Bravo Les and thanks for the laughs.

[nickname]

When I worked in Russia all the women over 50 looked like Les Dawson. Quite unnerving.

[hugohackenbush]

Majestic. The perfect comedian. A mind like quicksilver and the timing of a Swiss Watch. Damn but I really miss you Les. You were the best.
R.I.P Les ❤️🙏🏻

[RobertLocksley]

For goodness' sake the audience can't keep a straight face whilst Les is in his stride. He can't even remain serious without mass hilarity all round. THAT is comedy genius.  

[thomasstephenson]

Les was a comic genius the timing and delivery of his material no one will ever have he was a very accomplished pianist and to play bad notes but with such style just goes to show more of his genius your like will never be seen again RIP Les

[davidfarmer]

Back to when the world.... if not in one piece rather ore so than it is today.

RIP Mr Dawson.

[neilpower]

Les was great, a man who loved language, there was much more to him than Mother in law jokes and pulling faces, he believed in everything he did, which got you on his side, much like Tommy Cooper

[jimmcmullan]

Absolutely brilliant, classic comedy!!! No need for filth or cheap laughs.... all good family fun.. Thanks for sharing

[Mandeley]

Thank you so much for posting this. I was in the audience that night (can't believe it's 30 years ago) and this brought back a lot of memories. I don't remember ever being that young!!! Still brilliantly funny after all these years.

[jeremyhaines]

Les Dawson is
Excellent and brilliant comedy
So sadly 😥missed x

[holymoly]

One of the best Thanks Les Dawson 👏👏👏👏

[nissafors]

I remember how I loved this program when it was shown on television in Sweden, maybe in the end of the 70´s or beginning of the 80´s.

[Apseyboy]

Comics like Les come along once in a lifetime, genius from Collyhurst.

[meirwise]

Brilliant. A real throwback to the music hall.

[andrewlloyd]

Legend! They don't make comedians like les any more, no profanity like today's filth, just good, clever clean comedy, les was and still is pure gold.

[clivethompson]

how can any one give a thumbs down to this...if you don't like it, don't watch it

[ianbentley]

Les was a genius, Never been anyone like him. BTW, The Good Old Days is on BBC4 tonight (27/01/17) if anyone's interested. ;-) From 1977 it features Billy Dainty, Larry Grayson and Vince Hill.